TIMES MALANG, JAKARTA – Tanggedu Waterfall in Tanggedu Hamlet, located in Mondu Village, Kanatang District, East Sumba Regency, is a popular tourist destination situated in a steep valley with a formed river. This magnificent natural beauty has attracted many visitors and was even dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Indonesia" by a Sumba culture expert and tourism observer, Yudi Umbu Rawambaku.

In 2016, Tanggedu Waterfall gained viral attention, and in the following year, the East Sumba Regency Government proposed its inclusion as a tourist site with the release of the Government Decree of the Mayor of  East Sumba which designated Tanggedu and Waimarang as tourist objects. In 2020, Tanggedu Waterfall will become part of the supporting destination for Mondu Cultural Tourism of Kanatang District.

Tanggedu Waterfall is part of the traditional land of seven Kabisu tribes, including Karunggu Watu, Ngewur, Kombul, Karinding, Dapi, Manolung, and Amba Leling Kabihu. Around 90 percent of the one thousand plus residents are farmers and adhere to Marapu, the belief in their ancestors. The uniqueness of this hamlet lies in its ritual called Mangejing. After the corn planting season, during the dry season, the community goes to the forest to find wild yam or Iwi, but first, they obtain permission from their ancestors by performing a ritual at Tanggedu waterfall.

The beauty has made people cal thhis place the Grand Canyon of Indonesia. Along with all the cultural attraction it has, this place will a perfect destination for travelleers," Yudi said. 

The Nature of the Surrounding Area of Tanggedu Waterfall

Currently, the future expansion village of Tanggedu serves as an area for onion farmers who harvest thousands of tons of onions. The East Sumba Regency Government's Department of Tourism and Culture has trained the Batu Dumang community in Sapta Pesona tourism, which includes keeping the tourist site clean and comfortable, facilitating the participation of the community as site managers and creating tourism groups that are aware of the location's importance.

In terms of management, Tanggedu's tourist object is a right of some indigenous tribes. Therefore, the Department of Tourism recommends that the village government collaborates with the tribes to obtain their consent to allow the Department of Tourism to build facilities and infrastructure at the destination site. This cooperation has already been implemented, and an agreement has been reached on the management of the tourist destination. Tanggedu Waterfall's natural ambiance makes it an enticing destination for local, domestic, and international tourists, who can enjoy the adventure and eco-tourism at the waterfall.

In conclusion, the Tanggedu Waterfall is a majestic tourist destination that combines natural scenery with unique cultural rituals. The collaboration between the village government and the indigenous tribes has allowed for the proper management of the tourist site, ensuring its cleanliness, comfort, and preservation of its natural beauty. Tanggedu Waterfall is a must-see destination that provides an unforgettable adventure for all who visit. (*)